Dubai is a fabulous country who's people are some of the most genuine, hospitable and courteous you will every be likely to encounter anywhere in the world.

But this is not the US or Europe this is the UAE steeped in centuries of tradition and devout religious following. One of the reasons I’m sure you are looking to travel to the UAE is to experience the deep and rich history and traditions on offer; but as in many other countries they have their own ways of doing things which need to be respected.

You may have considered putting off or cancelling a visit to Dubai or other countries in the UAE because of horror stories you may have heard about in the press.   So let us as a company that is based outside the UAE but travels there repeatedly for interviews and research give you THE FACTS.

Most of the stories you hear are just that, stories, other are based in fact but written with a twisted perspective.   Let us ask you this.... What would happen in your country is someone was bringing in controlled drugs into the country or driving whilst heavily under the influence of alcohol???   Well its not much different in the UAE you will be arrested and possibly face imprisonment.  If you openly flaunt the laws of ANY country you have to expect to face the consequences.

Always remember that you are in a different country with a different cultural and belief system to the majority of westerners, we can seem as strange to them as they might sometimes appear to us.  Its like the old saying “When in Rome” - it is just common courtesy to respect your hosts as we expect visitors to our country to respect our laws and traditions. The Emirati are traditionally known for their warm hospitality and friendliness.

Dress in a modest way, covering at least the tops of the arms and legs, and avoid tight clothes.  it's always best to respect the culture of the land that you are visiting. Don't behave in a manner that might insult Locals, Muslim customs or Beliefs. Don't swear in public or use offensive hand gestures, as you can get fined for these and displays of public affection are frowned upon such as hugging and kissing and under some circumstances these can be deemed as an arrestable offence..

Whilst not forbidden visitors Alcohol in Dubai is confined within areas such as Hotels, Bars or Nightclubs. Local expatriate residents are free to drink in their own homes as long as they have an alcohol licence issued by the municipality. It is illegal to drink in the street or in public places.

Do NOT Drink & Drive - Ever!

The eating of Pork is also forbidden in the Islamic faith but this too is also available for the consumption of visitors and expatriates, and can be found in a separate closed off area within many supermarkets for non-Muslims.

You can read any Travel, Tourist or City guide for anywhere in the world and it will always tell you about the different laws and traditions of that country.  The UAE is no different to any other country in the world its just some countries are a little stricter then others.

General Behaviour

Public displays of affection are frowned upon and public sexual acts can lead to jail time followed by deportation.

Dancing and playing loud music in public, swearing and displaying rude gestures in public is discouraged and again can lead to prosecution or arrest.

Clothing

it is preferable for both men and women to have their shoulders and knees covered when not on the beach or at a hotel.

It is NOT appropriate for men to walk along the street bare-chested.

Women should dress more conservatively than when holidaying in Europe or other parts of the western world and should avoid wearing revealing outfits when in busy areas.

Topless sunbathing is NOT permitted on the beaches. Although one-piece swimsuits and bikini's are a common sight on Dubai beaches, avoid sunbathing topless or wearing micro bikinis - even when on the private beaches or at hotels.

Alcohol

Alcohol is widely available at Hotels, Bars, Restaurants, and some Leisure Clubs. Visitors cannot purchase alcohol from a supermarket as this requires an alcohol licence issued by the municipality which is for residents only; however alcohol and cigarettes can be purchased BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE AIRPORT AT THE ARRIVALS DUTY-FREE – Non Muslims only.

It is against the law to drink alcohol whilst walking in the street or to be drunk in a public place.

There is a ZERO tolerance to Drink Driving. Forget the amount of units you are allowed before you are over the limit to drive, as the limit is ZERO; and this means a total ban on the consumption of alcohol whilst in charge of a motor vehicle including the next day.

If you are caught drinking and driving you will face a prison sentence no matter what country you are from. If you are in doubt about the alcohol limits in your blood take a taxi.

Drugs, Prescription and Over the Counter Medications

There is a zero tolerance in Dubai in relation to drugs and illegal substances. Penalties are extremely high and should you be found with the slightest amount of any substance you could face a prison sentence and deportation.  In extreme cases of drug trafficking there is also the chance of the death penalty.

Passenger baggage is screened quite thoroughly when entering Dubai. There are also strict controls on some prescription or bought over the counter medicines such as painkillers or cold treatments. A full list of banned medication can be found here.

With regard to Prescription medications if you are still in any doubt after reading the information from the link above then contact the Dubai embassy they are always very helpful. If you’re not sure about over the counter medicines then don’t take them and buy from the local shops whilst out there, as they are readily available.

Pornography

Pornography and pornographic images, media and websites are banned in the UAE.

Homosexuality

Gay and lesbian travellers should be particularly careful, as homosexuality is a criminal offence with the possibility of deportation, you should also avoid any public displays of affection or cross-dressing.  This is one place it does not pay to be loud & proud, keep your private life just that - Private!

Photography & Video

When taking photographs in Dubai, please bear in mind local people wearing national dress may take exception to being photographed without their permission. Please also avoid taking pictures especially of women wearing national dress.

Do NOT photograph sensitive areas such as airports & military installations.

Holy Month of Ramadan

Do not Eat, Drink or Smoke outside during daylight hours during holy month of Ramadan, the majority of food outlets, restaurants etc will be closed during sun rise to sunset.

This consumption ban will include general public indoor areas as well, although many of the larger hotels will have special screened off areas for non-Muslims to eat and drink during these hours freely with the exception of alcohol which will only be served after sundown.

Most entertainment venues, bars & clubs will not play live music during this month either.

Ramadan is one of the holy months in the Islamic calendar. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours.

In 2010 Ramadan is between 11th August to 9th September.

Updated Oct 2010

Legal Disclaimer:

The contents of this page is for information purposes only and should not be deemed as Legal Advice in anyway.  Legal advice is neither supplied nor inferred. 

Please click on any relevant UAE governmental links to obtain detailed advice and support.

www.dubai.ae